Sparkplugging is starting a new tradition called ‘Spark an Idea Thursday’. Each week we’ll be sharing some great ideas for a topic of interest to our readers. We invite you to grab our image and carry the tradition through to your own blog! If you do, please link back to this post so we know where you were inspired!
The theme of this week’s Spark an Idea Thursday is Spark an Idea to Make a New Business Ally
“12 oz. soy caramel cafe au lait…”
“16 oz. green tea…”
This is the beginning of a business meeting in a coffee shop. Although these days it’s not too unusual for this to happen, did you know that conversations over coffee can help you gain new business allies? I’ve used conversations like this to build some really fantastic partnerships. You can do the same.
Who do you know?
Look through your business card file. Is there someone you would like to get to know? Is there someone you have never followed up with? Is there someone you admire and have a common acquaintance with who could introduce you?
How can you work together?
Think about how each business or person relates to you and your business. Do you share a common choice client? What other things do you have in common? How could your businesses or services compliment each other?
How can you help each other?
Can you refer to one another? Can you articulate what this person or business does, and pass that along when you see a need for their product or service? What do you have to offer them?
Now, pick up the phone.
- Image by bkajino via Flickr
Call one of these people this week. Get the ball rolling! Pick a place and talk with them. 30 minutes is a great amount of time. It’s not too long, and yet long enough to get a good conversation going. Have some good questions to ask them. (Here’s a good place to start if you’re stuck.)
Most importantly, don’t be self-serving when seeking out new business alliances. Nobody likes a snake oil salesman, right? An alliance should be mutually beneficial to both sides. When approaching someone, keep in your mind how you can help them. If they are a worthy alliance partner, they will be thinking the same thing. 
What connection will you make over coffee next week?
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Great post, Brandie. Some of my best biz relationships started the same way : )
Crissy Herrons last blog post..Spark An Idea Thursday: An Idea that Makes a New Business Ally
I would Totally Love to have coffee with you Brandie!
Kelly McCauseys last blog post..Meet our Interns: Cory Huff
Brandi,
Great post! Gets me thinking…
I just got back from the Glazer Kennedy Marketing and Money Making Super Conference in Chicago last week.
We got to hear a bunch of great speakers but one who really stood out was Ivanka Trump.
When she wants to meet someone or get to know someone better or build a business partnership she clips out news or magazine articles and mails them to the person she wants to meet with a little personal note.
Of course these are articles she feels the person may be interested in.
I thought it was a great idea and will start using in my business.
Thought this was really smart and similar to calling someone up for coffee.
Bill Parlaman
Bill Parlamans last blog post..Customized Marketing Solutions : How To Leverage The Power Of Business Blogs Into Your Current Business!
That’s a great idea! I also make a call or send a note when I see people who have gotten press. I’ve been on the receiving end of that, and it feels great to pay it forward!
Thanks for commenting!
I’m all for that!
Let’s do it!
That’s great to hear! I’ve actually made some great friends along the way too. One wise woman said she only does business with people she would have dinner with. Great advice!